My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a

cake is

with her hand, she lifted a knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut into the cake for

on, Rae.” Julian stopped her and pulled some candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she

be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish Miss Rachel a

sing the ‘Happy

Rachel must close her eyes and make a

Rachel must blow

that there was

he still lit the candles and had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a healing effect on any

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

a wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,”

her head to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet looking up at her

of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give the

you!” their

dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole scene was heartwarming

light of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the first time in days. Thank

Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need

I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never existed for now. At that point, Rachel’s expression was

bringing up the child, he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder

turned and headed toward the

apartment

was propped open

darkened face made all the more grotesque by the centipede-like scar on

he out on business? she

explaining himself, he slid sideways into the house and shut

you’ve been getting along fine without

steps back. Why are

toward her as he pulled off his necktie and threw

were like unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me

step he approached her, forcing her back inch by

idea

she staggered after him and was dragged all the way to